LAHORE: Terming press conference by Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif a pack of lies, chief minister’s spokesman Shahbaz Gill said that he was playing politics on the health of former premier Nawaz Sharif.

“No meal restrictions have been placed on Nawaz Sharif as reported by a section of the media. Even today (Tuesday), his meal came from his home,” he told a press conference.

The Punjab government only suggested forming a doctors’ panel to advise diet chart and provide him a cook for the same.

“It is being done to put him on a balanced diet as advised by the doctors. Even in that case, all the ingredients would come from his home. We are just trying to check harmful part of his diet so that he does not have any health trouble,” he told the media.

“Dr. Adnan, personal doctor of Nawaz Sharif, meets him regularly but every time misleads everyone on his health issues only to keep his job. This is unfortunate. He is not a cardiologist but the Sharif family keeps insisting on his cardiac expertise, only for propaganda purposes,” he said.

Flanked by Minister for Higher Education Murad Raas and commenting on the arrest of PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, he alleged that Sana was running a huge ring of drug trade. “He has been arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force. The news about his drug networks has been doing rounds for too long and the ANF has been investigating them as well. Now, he must prove his innocence in the court.”

Meanwhile, speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Electronic Media Association, Kamoki, Punjab Information Minister Syed Samsam Ali

Bukhari said Rana Sanaullah had been a ‘culprit’ for many years and the court would decide his case.

“Mian Nawaz Sharif is facing a health issue and meal of his liking will be prepared in the jail. Violation of jail manual cannot be done for such a high-profile prisoner, “ he said.

“It’s highly unusual that the PPP is defending Rana Sanaullah and the opposition to PTI has compelled them (PPP, PML-N) to unite with each other. Whosoever indulged in corruption or did any wrongdoing will have to face the music,” Mr Bukhari said.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2019